Closings

Severe Weather

Winter driving tips

Winter can be one of the most dangerous times to drive. Consider these tips so you know how to act in a winter-related emergency. Don't let this be you as you travel during the winter season.

Icy roads, cause your tires to lose traction. When approaching a stop, you should begin breaking from a distance and leave yourself three times the space between you and the car in front of you to avoid running into any vehicles. -National Safety Council

Break gradually, but if you notice your wheels locking up take your foot off the break. Never slam on your breaks.-National Safety Council

You should always drive with your lights on in light or heavy winter conditions. Before you leave your location, check your lights to make sure they are working correctly. -National Safety Council

Clean your windshield, wipers, and lights.-National Safety Council

Get a grip!

Low gears are the best way to gain traction, even on hills. -National Safety Council

Unfortunately, it's imperative that you be able to react to whatever condition the road is in. Cruise control is dangerous on icy roads so avoid using it at all costs. -National Safety Council

Areas that don't get a lot of traffic may freeze first, even when temperatures are above freezing. Be alert while crossing these bridges and roads. Be aware of the possible icy areas that aren't visible as well. -National Safety Council

Don't overtake a snow plow truck no matter how much of a hurry you are in. Allow them to do their job so you can get where you are going safely. -National Safety Council

Any car, four wheel or front wheel, can have difficulties in winter conditions. Keep that in mind.

What do you do if your rear wheels skid?

Ease off the gas.

Steer into the direction your rear tires are going. For example, if your car is skidding left, turn the car left while gently pumping the breaks, if they are standard breaks.

However, if your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), push hard on them instead of pumping to regain control, while also steering in the direction you are skidding.

What about if your front wheels skid?

A front wheel skid occurs when the front wheels do not go in the direction of the steering wheel.

Your front wheels need traction. Gently release the gas pedal and press the break to add weight to the front of the car and thus regain traction. Don't slam the breaks because that could lock them, and make situations worse.

Getting in stuck in the snow is a scary thought, but can happen. Here's how you should handle this situation.

"Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper. Then, use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out."-National Safety Council

"Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way."- National Safety Council

"Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car."-National Safety Council

"Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction."- National Safety Council

Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. "- National Safety Council

Another way to avoid accidents is to prepare early by winterizing your car.